Isolation and characterization of novel Klebsiella phages from Benin and their antibiofilm activities on multidrug resistant and hypervirulent strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae

Abstract

Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae represents a growing clinical threat, particularly where multidrug resistance limits treatment options. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of three novel lytic phages from Benin (Kp1Bj_HH11_M23, Kp2Bj_LN294_M23, and Kp10Bj_LN54_14). These Myoviruses, belonging to the genera Marfavirus and Jiaodavirus, display broad host range activity against multidrug-resistant and hypervirulent K. pneumoniae strains. Genomic analysis confirmed the absence of virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes. The phages exhibit rapid adsorption, short latency periods, and high burst sizes (119-2208 PFU/cell). All three phages significantly inhibited biofilm formation and reduced established biofilms in vitro. Their stability across a wide range of temperatures and pH further supports their potential for therapeutic development. Together, these data highlight the value of locally sourced phages as candidates for tackling region-specific antimicrobial resistance challenges.